Events

VSCC driving tests are held three times a year at Bicester, Brooklands and Madresfield. All the driving tests are suitable for the Rover 8. They take part in a very limited area and therefore the car can easily be pushed back to a parked trailer if there is an issue. Whilst speed is not on the little Rover's side, the Tests really suit the cars agility and pinpoint braking. The events are a low pressure, yet competitive way to enjoy the car at some interesting surroundings with lots of space to park trailers. In order of recommendation would be; Booklands, Bicester Madresfield.

A series of Tours are organised by VSCCC members every year and take place across all areas of the Country. Most Tours are 60 to 100 miles in length. A fairly 'idiot proof' route guide is provided and the Tour is typically held on B and C roads where the speed of the car is unimportant. Best to pick the flatter counties and bring a map in case the journey time is slower than expected, and a short cut back to the start needs to be made. The Registar has taken part in LCES Welsh Tour, Suffolk Tour, Norfolk Tour and Hertfordshire Tour in the Rover 8 . They are a great way to see beautiful parts of the country, meet up with fellow enthusiasts and enjoy quiet lane motoring whilst visiting interesting historical sites.

Much less popular than previously, rallies incorporate a Tour like format with a cryptic crossword element. So the driver and navigator have to plot the route with a degree of clues - some easy some can be difficult and then navigate the journey using average speeds as well as picking up route boards along the journey. The registar has taken part in The Measham and a number of other rallies previously in the Eight. Fun but not a competitive car and various short cuts taken to make up speed and navigate around hills not climbed - best avoided.

If driving up muddy hills and seeing how far you can get is your thing- the Eight is not the car for you. Its low power and sub-optimal gearing does not suit the cars to Trials -try a Trojan that, perhaps surprisingly, can do quite well on the Trials circuit.

The Light Car and Edward Section (LCES) of the VSCC runs a variety of events (as above) some are achievable in the Eight but check that these are not based in areas with lots of steep hills - The Welsh is challenging and partly due to mechanicals but also the terrain the registrar has never fully completed a Tour with the LCES in Wales - whereas the Summer LCES event has been completed.